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Touring The Gaspe Peninsula by Automobile
Planning the epic road trip to Gaspe Quebec Canada
Among Canada's splendid tourism offerings there is one epic roadtripping adventure in particular that is a signature experience for visitors - the Gaspe road trip.
Touring the Gaspe Peninsula by automobile, a 10 Day sample itinerary
The two main points of entry to begin the Gaspe road trip, from all directions in North America, are the town of Sainte-Flavie on the northern side of the peninsula, or Point-a-la-Croix, located at the Quebec/New Brunswick border on the southern side of the peninsula. Trying to cram all the things to see and do in Gaspe into one epic road trip is daunting. For a great backgrounder on starting your planning visit WikiTravel .
A 10 day road trip itinerary to the Gaspe by automobile
Duration and Starting Point; Touring the Gaspe by automobile requires some careful planning to ensure you maximize your visit. This suggested itinerary is a 10 day/9 night visit to the region, broken into three phases offering plenty of lodging or camping options, sightseeing and attractions to choose from. For this itinerary we will begin our tour at the northern gateway town of Sainte-Flavie, which is located approximately 3 hours East of Quebec City and offers plenty of places to stay and spectacular sunsets looking across the Saint Lawrence River West.
Quebec's Vacation Wonderland and Gateway to the Gaspe
You arrive on day one of your journey round the Gaspe Peninsula at the town of Sainte Flavie, commonly known as the gateway to the Gaspe Peninsula just a half hour drive from the City of Rimouski. This area has been home to seaside vacation resorts since the late nineteenth century alongside the St Lawrence River offering stunning sunsets and plenty of options for dining and attractions. Reserving three nights accommodations offers a choice of seaside resort towns of Metis Sur Mer, Grand Metis, Sainte Flavie and Mont Joli, with many campgrounds hotels and seaside resorts to choose from. Among the many attractions nearby to take in is the world famous Metis Gardens and international garden festival. About a 90 minute drive East lies the first of four national parks you can visit, the mountain resort known as the Gaspesie National Park, which features the highest mountains East of the Rocky Mountains, with hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and mountain lookouts.
Mountains meet the sea on the drive to the Town of Gaspe and Perce
Day four of your visit to Gaspe you will be departing the Metis area towards the Town of Gaspe. This scenic drive of approximately 5-6 hours, factoring in scenic rest stops and lighthouses, features spectacular scenery along northern side of the peninsula, truly where the mountains meet the sea is a jaw-dropping scenic route. Upon your arrival in Gaspe, your next three days will be filled with Gaspe's iconic landmarks including world famous Perce Rock, and two national parks, Forillon National Park at the very tip of the peninsula, and Bonaventure Island National Park. The town of Gaspe is the region's most populated area with over 20,000 inhabitants, and features a range of sandy beaches, restaurants, shopping and is home to the regional museum. A day in Perce is a cannot miss experience with the bucket list experience of a boat tour round Perce Rock and visit to Bonaventure Island National Park, which is home to a protected colony of over 200,000 sea birds. Top it off with a seafood dinner at the Maison du Pecheur (home of the fisherman) in historic downtown Perce.
Winding up your Gaspe road trip in the Bay of Warmth
French Explorer Jacques Cartier coined the term "baie-des-chaleurs", or translated bay of warmth, during his voyage from northern France to Gaspe in July, 1534. Departing Gaspe/Perce and heading West along the 132 offers plenty of history and scenery, punctuated by the many museums and historical towns along the way including Port Daniel, Paspebiac, New Carlisle, Bonaventure, New Richmond and Carleton-sur-Mer. Numerous campgrounds, hotel and oceanside cottage rental options exist along the way in this populous region of the Gaspe. Your final three days touring the Gaspe Peninsula's southern coastline, dotted with historic towns and villages and cultural melting pot of indigenous Mi'gMaw communities, Acadian and French settlements dating to the earliest days of New France, along with a scattering of Scottish, Irish and English settlements. Attractions in the Bay of Chaleurs are plentiful with many options and day trips to various attractions to consider including Atlantic salmon fishing lodges, beaches, historical sites, micro brew pubs and distilleries, golf courses, scuba diving and the fourth national park in the region, Migausha UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is never goodbye in Gaspe, rather see you again!
Beginning with the construction of the Old #6 Highway in 1929 (forerunner to today's modern 132 Highway that circles the Gaspe Peninsula) the Gaspe road trip has been a sought after vacation destination for visitors worldwide. The combination of remarkable scenery, warm hospitality and the vast historical richness and legends has lured tourists to the region. Modern national parks, accommodations and tourist attractions have only added to its allure and the Gaspe Peninsula's status as one of Canada's top travel destinations.
Begin planning your road touring of the Gaspe Peninsula, Quebec, Canada
Sample 10 day itinerary of the Gaspe Peninsula road trip vacation tour.
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Comments 8
Awesome article Walter! I am really enjoying the Quebec photos. It looks like such a beautiful place and I would like to explore there more, especially the rural areas.
Great article Walter and fantastic photos. I never new much about the Gaspe Peninsula before and your article has enticed me to add to my my list of must see Canadian destinations.
This is an area I've always wanted to visit. Great article with much information for those traveling in the area. Love your photos!
I've always wanted to see that area. Lovely article with lots of information. Great photos.
I absolutely love Quebecs scenery! Great article, thanks for the awesome suggestions
Wow! I have always wanted to see that area! What a great article with lots of information. Thank you so much for sharing!
Like to read about Canada (Newfoundland) and look at the beautiful landscape
Great article Walter and thanks for including the map as it was fun to follow along. A different beach for each photo, some sandy, others rocky, large rocks and pebbles a diverse area in that respect. What an epic roadtrip!